Annapurna Base Camp Trek | ABC Trek | 9-Days Itinerary & Cost

Published on Apr 16, 2026

This Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 9-day Himalayan journey that takes you deep into the heart of the Annapurna, reaching an altitude of 4,130 metres at base camp. Operated by Trexmount Ventures, one of the best trekking agencies in Nepal, this route passes through Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and glacial valleys before delivering you to one of the most dramatic mountain amphitheatres on Earth. The total cost starts at USD 910 per person and covers accommodation, meals, a licensed guide, and all permits.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview
9-Day ABC Trek Itinerary
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route and Distance
How Difficult Is ABC Trek?
Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek Safe?
What Are the Biggest Risks at Base Camps?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost
What Is Included and Excluded
FAQs
Book Your Trek with Trexmount Ventures

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview

The Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route sits inside the Annapurna Conservation Area in the Gandaki Province of Nepal. At its highest point, ABC stands at 4,130 m, surrounded 360 degrees by peaks including Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m), and the sacred Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). The trek is widely regarded as one of the best short high-altitude treks in the world, and for good reason.

The route passes through some of the most culturally rich villages in Nepal, particularly the Gurung settlement of Ghandruk, and rewards trekkers with natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda on the way back. Unlike longer Himalayan expeditions, this trek can realistically be completed in 9 days without sacrificing depth of experience.

Key Facts	Details
Maximum Altitude	4,130 m (Annapurna Base Camp)
Trek Duration	9 Days
Total Trek Distance	Approx. 110–115 km
Difficulty Level	Moderate
Best Season	March–May, October–November
Starting Point	Syauli Bazaar / Pokhara
Permits Required	ACAP + TIMS Card
Total Cost	USD 910 per person

9-Day ABC Trek Itinerary

The Annapurna Base Camp trek itinerary, 9 days, is designed to balance acclimatisation, cultural immersion, and trekking distance each day. Below is the complete day-by-day breakdown as operated by Trexmount Ventures.

Day	Route	Altitude	Meals
Day 1	Arrival in Kathmandu	1,350 m	Dinner
Day 2	Drive to Pokhara	820 m	Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3	Drive to Jhinu Danda, Trek to Chhomrong	2,170 m	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4	Chhomrong to Himalayan Hotel	2,930 m	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5	Himalayan Hotel to Machhapuchhre Base Camp	3,700 m	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6	MBC to Annapurna Base Camp, back to Himalayan Hotel	4,130 m (overnight 2,930 m)	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7	Himalayan Hotel to Jhinu Danda, Drive to Pokhara	1,780 m → 820 m	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8	Drive to Kathmandu	1,350 m	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9	Departure from Kathmandu	—	Breakfast

Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Thamel. After freshening up, the afternoon begins with a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can spin the prayer wheels and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of chanting monks and fluttering prayer flags. In the evening, we proceed to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River to attend the mesmerising Aarati Puja ceremony, where priests perform fire rituals accompanied by devotional hymns. The air fills with incense and the glow of oil lamps as pilgrims gather at the riverbank. Returning to the hotel, our trek leader conducts a thorough pre-departure briefing covering the trail route, altitude awareness, gear checklist, permit requirements, and daily schedule.

Kathmandu Altitude: 1,350 m Meal: Dinner

Day 2 – Drive to Pokhara (820 m)

After a leisurely breakfast, we depart Kathmandu for the scenic overland journey to Pokhara, the gateway city to the Annapurna region. The drive follows the Prithvi Highway westward through a landscape of terraced hillsides, subtropical river valleys, and bustling roadside bazaars. Along the way, the Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers accompany the road, their blue-green waters cutting through gorges draped in lush vegetation. After approximately seven to eight hours of driving, the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges suddenly appear on the horizon as you descend into the Pokhara valley, a dramatic and memorable first sight of the peaks you will soon be walking among. On arrival, transfer to your hotel on the shores of Phewa Lake. The evening is free to explore the Lakeside area, sample local food, and arrange any last-minute trekking supplies.

Pokhara Altitude: 820 m Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 – Drive to Syauli Bazaar, Trek to Ghandruk (1,940 m)

After an early breakfast in Pokhara, a jeep drive of roughly one and a half to two hours brings you to Syauli Bazaar. Permits are collected at Birethanti before the trail begins in earnest. The route climbs through Kimche (1,640 m), where the first dramatic views of Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre open up, framed beautifully against the valley backdrop. A steep stone-stepped ascent delivers you to Ghandruk (1,940 m), the largest Gurung village in the Annapurna region, famous for its traditional stone houses, ancient gompas, and sweeping sunset mountain views. With its well-established teahouses and warm local hospitality, Ghandruk serves as a wonderful cultural introduction before the trail climbs deeper into the sanctuary.

Ghandruk Altitude: 1,940 m Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Ghandruk to Sinuwa via Chhomrong (2,340 m)

Leaving Ghandruk, the trail descends to the Kimrong Khola river at 1,480 m before a sustained 500-metre climb brings you up to Chhomrong (2,170 m), the last well-developed village before the Annapurna Sanctuary. Chhomrong offers one of the best viewpoints on the lower trail, with Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South dominating the skyline. From Chhomrong, the route drops steeply to the Chhomrong Khola on a suspension bridge and then climbs through a dense, atmospheric bamboo and rhododendron forest. The air turns cool and moist as the canopy closes in, and the trail eventually reaches Sinuwa (2,340 m), a small ridge settlement perched above the treeline.

Sinuwa Altitude: 2,340 m Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Sinuwa to Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m)

From Sinuwa, the trail continues deeper into the sanctuary, passing through Bamboo (2,310 m), known for Himalayan thar and langur monkey sightings, then Dovan (2,600 m) alongside the roaring Modi Khola river. After the Himalayan Hotel (2,930 m), the forest thins into an open alpine environment and the valley walls close in dramatically. The trail pushes through Deurali (3,230 m), where a teahouse marks the passage into a world of glacial moraines and bare rock, before the gorge opens wide into the upper sanctuary. Machhapuchhre Base Camp (3,700 m) announces itself with a cluster of teahouses and a jaw-dropping northern face view of the sacred and unclimbed Machhapuchhre, whose twin summits loom directly overhead. Rest, hydrate well, and take a short acclimatisation walk to prepare for tomorrow’s push to ABC.

MBC Altitude: 3,700 m Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Trek to ABC and Back to Himalayan Hotel (4,130 m → overnight 2,930 m)

An early start is essential. From MBC, the trail climbs over the right lateral moraine of the Annapurna Glacier, a broad, gravelly ascent through a barren, otherworldly landscape. Walking slowly and breathing steadily is key. After approximately two hours, the trail crests a final rise and Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) reveals itself in full, a natural arena completely encircled by giants, including Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), and the towering walls of Hiunchuli. The scale is humbling. Spend time here, photograph the peaks, sign the logbook, and absorb the silence of this extraordinary place. After lunch at the base camp teahouse, begin the descent back through MBC and continue all the way to the Himalayan Hotel (2,930 m) to sleep at a safer altitude.

ABC Altitude: 4,130 m → Overnight: 2,930 m Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Himalayan Hotel to Jhinu Danda and Drive to Pokhara (820 m)

The mood on descent days is light, the hard work is done, and the body moves freely with the aid of gravity and more oxygen. From the Himalayan Hotel, retrace the trail south through Dovan, Bamboo, and Sinuwa, the forest path now familiar but no less beautiful. At Sinuwa, the trail branches toward Chhomrong, climbing the stone steps back into the village for a well-earned lunch stop with mountain views. After Chhomrong, a quieter side trail descends steeply to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m), a small riverside settlement famous for its natural hot springs. Just a fifteen-minute walk below the village, three rock pools of naturally heated geothermal water sit beside the Modi Khola, the perfect reward after days of hard trekking. After this restorative soak, a jeep drives via Syauli Bazaar and Birethanti to Pokhara, arriving in the evening.

Jhinu Danda Altitude: 1,780 m → Pokhara: 820 m Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Drive to Kathmandu (1,350 m)

After a relaxed breakfast in Pokhara with possible final views of the Annapurna range across Phewa Lake, we begin the return journey to Kathmandu by tourist bus or private vehicle. The approximately seven-to-eight-hour drive follows the scenic Prithvi Highway, but now the mountains feel familiar, a reminder of what you have just accomplished among them. Alternatively, a short thirty-minute domestic flight from Pokhara airport delivers you to Kathmandu with aerial views of the Himalayas. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Thamel. The evening is free for a celebratory dinner, souvenir shopping along the Thamel lanes, or simply resting after the extraordinary days spent in the Annapurna.

Kathmandu Altitude: 1,350 m Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Departure

After breakfast at the hotel, our representative transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, there may be a few hours for last-minute exploration of Thamel, Asan Bazaar, or a peaceful visit to Boudhanath or Swayambhunath for a quiet moment of reflection. This marks the conclusion of your Annapurna Base Camp adventure, a journey through Gurung culture, ancient forests, glacial valleys, and the world’s tenth-highest mountain.

Meal: Breakfast

Day 10 – Departure

A final breakfast is followed by a transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport. Depending on your flight schedule, a short visit to Boudhanath or Swayambhunath is possible before departure.

Contact Us in whatsapp (+977-98511360066) for a detailed itinerary or inquiry on our website.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Route and Distance

The Annapurna Base Camp trek distance covers approximately 110 to 115 kilometres in total across both ascent and descent. The route follows the Modi Khola valley, entering through the southern approach at Syauli Bazaar and climbing steadily through multiple ecological zones before reaching the high glacial sanctuary.

Understanding the Annapurna Base Camp trek map helps trekkers appreciate the elevation gain involved. The trail rises from 820 m at Pokhara to 4,130 m at ABC, representing a total gain of over 3,300 metres across the trekking days.

Trail Section	Distance (Approx.)	Elevation Change
Syauli Bazaar to Ghandruk	11 km	+720 m
Ghandruk to Chhomrong	9 km	+230 m (net)
Chhomrong to Deurali	12 km	+1,060 m
Deurali to ABC	10 km	+900 m
ABC to Sinuwa (descent)	22 km	-1,790 m
Sinuwa to Jhinu Danda	8 km	-560 m

How Difficult Is the ABC Trek?

The Annapurna Base Camp Trekking route is rated as a moderate trek. It does not require any technical climbing skills or prior mountaineering experience. However, it does demand a reasonable level of physical fitness, the ability to walk 5 to 7 hours per day on uneven stone-paved and dirt trails, and the mental resilience to manage altitude-related fatigue.

The steepest sections are found between Ghandruk and Chhomrong, and again from Chhomrong to Deurali. Stone staircases are common throughout, and the descent from ABC to Sinuwa on Day 7 is long and tiring on the knees. Trekkers with prior hill-walking experience will find the trail very manageable with proper preparation.

Difficulty Factor	Rating
Physical Demand	Moderate
Technical Skill Required	None
Maximum Altitude	4,130 m
Daily Walking Hours	5–7 hours
Terrain Type	Stone steps, forest trails, glacial moraine
Altitude Sickness Risk	Moderate above 3,500 m

Is Annapurna Base Camp Trek Safe?

Yes, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is considered one of the safer high-altitude treks in Nepal when approached with proper preparation and a qualified guide. The trail is well-established, passes through villages with teahouses daily, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which maintains checkposts and trail standards throughout.

That said, safety on any Himalayan trek depends on pacing, weather awareness, and physical preparation. Trexmount Ventures assigns experienced licensed guides to every group, and all porters are covered by insurance and equipped appropriately. Emergency evacuation by helicopter is possible from several points along the trail, including MBC and ABC, in serious cases.

What Are the Biggest Risks at Base Camps?

The most common risk at Annapurna Base Camp is acute mountain sickness (AMS), which can affect trekkers above 3,000 m. Symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. The risk increases if trekkers ascend too quickly without adequate acclimatisation. This itinerary is designed to manage that risk by staging a rest at Deurali before the final push.

Other notable risks include:

Avalanche exposure in the upper gorge between Deurali and ABC, particularly in late winter and early spring
Rapid weather changes at high altitude, including sudden snowfall that can close the trail
Hypothermia at night above 3,500 m, especially outside the October-November and March-May windows
Trail injury from uneven terrain and stone steps is the most frequent cause of trip interruption

Trekkers are strongly advised to carry comprehensive travel insurance that covers helicopter evacuation. Trexmount Ventures provides a warm sleeping bag and down jacket as part of the package to address cold-weather risks.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Cost

The total Annapurna Base Camp trek cost with Trexmount Ventures is USD 910 per person for a group booking. This is an all-inclusive price that covers accommodation, all meals as listed, a licensed guide, porter service, permits, and government taxes.

For context, the average market price for a comparable 9-day guided ABC Trek from Pokhara typically ranges between USD 900 and USD 1,200, depending on the operator, group size, and service level. Trexmount Ventures keeps the cost competitive while maintaining full service standards.

Cost Category	Amount (USD)
Base Package per Person	USD 910
Single Supplement (room upgrade)	On request (Charge Accodingly)
Private Vehicle Upgrade (one way)	USD 30 extra per person
Pokhara-Kathmandu Flight (one way)	USD 85 extra per person

Additional personal expenses such as drinks, tips, travel insurance, and emergency costs are not included in the base price.

What Is Included and Excluded

Included

Airport pickup and drop transfer
All transportation as per the itinerary
All accommodation on a twin-share basis
All Meals
Licensed experienced guide and the required number of porters (one porter per two trekkers), including their food, accommodation, transportation, salary, insurance, and equipment
Warm sleeping bag, down jacket, and walking stick if required
Trek bag
All government taxes
Trek Completion Certificate from Trexmount Ventures

Excluded (Not Included)

Tips for guides, porters, or any other staff
Single supplement charge for solo trekkers using a private room
Personal travel insurance, medical costs, and emergency evacuation expenses
All drinks, including mineral water, cold drinks, and alcoholic beverages
Any personal expenses not listed in the inclusions
Private vehicle upgrade: USD 30 extra per person per one-way trip
Domestic flight Pokhara to Kathmandu or vice versa: USD 85 extra per person one way

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long is the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

The standard Annapurna Base Camp Trek as offered by Trexmount Ventures takes 9 days in total, including travel days from Kathmandu to Pokhara and back. The actual trekking on trail spans six active days, from Syauli Bazaar to ABC and back to Jhinu Danda. The total trekking distance is approximately 110 to 115 kilometres across both directions.

2. What is the best time for the ABC Trek?

The two best seasons for Annapurna Base Camp Trekking are spring, from March to May, and autumn, from October to November. Spring brings rhododendron blooms and clear morning skies. Autumn offers the most stable weather and the sharpest mountain visibility. Monsoon months from June to August bring heavy rainfall and landslide risk, and winter from December to February brings snow above 3,000 m.

3. Do I need prior trekking experience for the ABC Trek?

No prior mountaineering experience is required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. However, you should be reasonably fit and comfortable walking 5 to 7 hours per day on uneven trails and stone staircases. Prior hill walking or regular cardiovascular training in the months before the trek makes a significant difference in comfort and enjoyment.

4. What permits are required for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Two permits are required. The first is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), which currently costs NPR 3,000 (approximately USD 22) for foreign nationals. The second is the Trekkers’ Information Management System card (TIMS), which costs approximately USD 10 to USD 20. Both are collected at Birethanti before the trail begins. Trexmount Ventures handles the permit process on your behalf.

5. What is the Annapurna Base Camp trek cost in 2026?

The total Annapurna Base Camp trek cost with Trexmount Ventures is USD 910 per person for a 9-day fully guided package. This covers accommodation, meals, guide, porter, permits, and taxes. Optional upgrades such as a private vehicle or domestic flight between Pokhara and Kathmandu are available at an additional cost of USD 30 and USD 85, respectively, per person.

6. How high is Annapurna Base Camp?

Annapurna Base Camp sits at an altitude of 4,130 metres above sea level. It is positioned inside the Annapurna Sanctuary, a high glacial bowl surrounded by Annapurna I at 8,091 m, Annapurna South at 7,219 m, Hiunchuli at 6,441 m, and Machhapuchhre at 6,993 m. This makes it one of the most dramatically enclosed base camp viewpoints in the Himalayas.

7. Is altitude sickness a problem on the ABC Trek?

Altitude sickness can affect trekkers above 3,000 m, and the ABC Trek reaches 4,130 m. Symptoms such as headache, nausea, and fatigue are common at higher elevations. The 9-day itinerary includes a staged ascent designed to reduce this risk, with an acclimatisation stop at Deurali before the final push to base camp. Descending immediately is the most effective response if severe symptoms develop.

8. Can I do the ABC Trek solo?

Technically, trekkers can walk the trail independently. However, Nepal’s trekking regulations now require all foreign trekkers in the Annapurna Conservation Area to be accompanied by a licensed guide as of the 2023 regulatory update. Booking through Trexmount Ventures ensures full compliance with current regulations, and the presence of a licensed guide also significantly improves safety and navigation.

9. What should I pack for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek?

Key items include moisture-wicking base layers, a waterproof outer shell jacket, thermal insulation layers, sturdy trekking boots with ankle support, UV-protection sunglasses, sunscreen, a personal first aid kit with basic altitude medication, and a refillable water bottle. Trexmount Ventures provides a sleeping bag, down jacket, trekking poles, and a trek bag as part of the package, so these do not need to be carried from home.

10. What is the Annapurna Base Camp trek map route?

The route follows the Modi Khola valley from south to north. Starting at Syauli Bazaar near Birethanti, the trail climbs through Ghandruk, descends to the Kimrong Khola, climbs to Chhomrong, then follows the gorge through Bamboo, Dovan, and Himalayan Hotel to Deurali. From Deurali, the trail enters the upper sanctuary through MBC at 3,700 m before reaching ABC at 4,130 m. The descent mirrors the ascent before branching to Jhinu Danda for the hot springs finish.

Book the ABC Trek with Trexmount Ventures

If the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is on your list, Trexmount Ventures is ready to make it happen. Our 9-day package at USD 910 per person covers everything from your airport pickup in Kathmandu to your final hot spring soak at Jhinu Danda, with no hidden charges. Our licensed guides, insured porters, and carefully designed itinerary give you the safest and most rewarding route to one of the world’s great mountain sanctuaries.

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